Expatriates warned to keep up health insurance payments

A warning has been issued to all expatriates around the world by international health insurance provider MediCare International to keep health insurance premiums paid up at all times.

Expatriates are facing rising living costs abroad and insurance is an easy thing to drop. But cost cutting insurance now could be storing up financial problems for the future.

MediCare International has seen cases of expatriates failing to keep up with their premium payments as the cost of living abroad rises. In certain countries compulsory expatriate health insurance is already the norm, and failure to keep up your insurance there can mean you get sent home, as your visa and work permit will be invalid.

Even in Germany, an individual without medical insurance may find that they simply cannot find treatment should they need it. Britons need to be particularly aware that once they live abroad permanently and no longer pay taxation in the UK, they are no longer eligible for free treatment under the National Health Service.

Not only is health insurance essential if you want to stay safe, protected and covered, it is also essential to ensure that you have the right level of cover in place. There is competition in the market so that expats can shop around to ensure they get the best level of cover for their money. When comparing what may seem like for like when you look at a policy, make sure you are comfortable with any exclusions and exceptions, and always pay for the best level of cover you can afford.